Charles Murray Colleges Prepare People For Life Summary

In Colleges Prepare People for Life by Charles Murray, it is argued that college prepares people for a job after graduation, but above a career, it prepares people to achieve a successful life. An excellent, satisfying job is only the beginning of the benefits that college may offer. Individuals because of college are faced with countless possibilities compared to those who never attend. The piece begins with a quote that provides insight on the importance of college. It argues that those who believe college is unimportant don’t fully realize the benefits of attending college. Contrasted with primary reasons people don’t attend college such as cost, debt and being unprepared which are introduced in a New York Times illustration called, “College is for Suckers”. Continuing on, Murray establishes credibility when he provides insight on the achievements of Freeman Hrabowski such as his presidency at the University of Maryland, being announced the chair of the President’s Advisory Commission and Educational Excellence for African Americans, and coauthor of many books. It is stated that most of quickly expanding jobs usually require a college degree. In addition, college graduates obtain the advantage over high school graduates when seeking a job, and ultimately earn more
money than a lesser educated individual making them more apt to be financial successful in the economy. Though both views on the topic offer some valid ideas to consider; however, neither are an accurate description because there is a different aspect to consider when deciding to attend college.
Many students fall short of being adequately educated when selecting a college that is in their best interest because individuals base their decisions too much on the financial factor rather than the significance of being educated. Murray uses “contributing to the public good” as an example to a deeper context of what being education really means. The main assertion in the passage is that although college does in fact prepare individuals for work, it goes beyond a job and actually prepares people for
life. A positive aspect of American higher education is that there is a college that can fit anyone’s needs. There is a wide variety of institutions whether it be two year, four year, public, private, more affordable, or even offer a specific major. The main issue when deciding on a college is the lack of knowledge. It is suggested that students and families are well educated on each institution they consider. It is important to be aware of what each institution offers, and to be educated on the cost, and other expenses associated with a specific institution. After being well informed, it is important to consider financial budgets, scholarships, grants, and loans. Institutions too have to be more open when offering information to prospective students; it is their responsibility to make sure nothing it left out, so that families are able to make a well informed decision with no unexpected components. President Barack Obama has taken the initiative to make sure students and families have been provided with correct and extensive information on topics associated with college such as debt, cost, graduation rates, etc. Because the University of Maryland was one of the first institutions they have has success in enrollments. Even with an excellent number of enrollments, counseling is strongly encouraged so that people have knowledge of all of their options, allowing them to make the best informed decisions possible. Most low income people aren’t even aware that college may be an option for them, because they aren’t thoroughly informed on the topic, so that it way seeking counseling on college is key. Even though this type of counseling may be a hassle for some, speaking in terms of money and time, it has proven to be affective in helping individuals make a decision best suited for them.